Is It Really Sciatica?

Many people in San Diego commonly experience some form of sciatic pain but often don’t know the real cause. There are three conditions which are often confused with each other: Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome, and Pseudo Sciatica. While each may cause similar symptoms, they each have a separate cause.

What Does Sciatica Feel Like?

Why Do We Get Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in your body, made up of 5 pairs of nerve roots that can be as large around as your middle finger. This makes it a large target easily pressed upon when your body is compressed, tightened, and when things aren’t where they are supposed to be.

• Sciatica:
  A bulging or herniated disk in the lumbar spine at L4–L5 (low back)
• Piriformis Syndrome:
  Piriformis muscle pressing on the sciatic nerve in the buttocks
• Pseudo Sciatica:
  Tightness in the Gluteus Minimus muscle has created a trigger point which is referring pain in a pattern mimicking sciatica

How Does Massage Help Recover from Sciatica?

Treatment for sciatica depends on which of the three types you have.

For Piriformis Syndrome — the most common type — since the pain is caused by the piriformis muscle putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, the massage therapist’s primary focus will be on working out any adhesions (knots) in the muscle itself. This includes work focused on the gluteal region (your buttocks) to access the piriformis muscles as well as the surrounding muscles. The rest of the session will be devoted to keeping the tightness from returning by working out any kinks in the thigh, leg, and lower back.

For Pseudo Sciatica — your massage therapist will focus on using trigger point therapy to release the adhesions in your gluteus minimus, deep tissue massage to loosen the bulk of the muscle tissue, and myofascial massage to help straighten any twist or tilt in your leg and pelvis that may be contributing to the cause of your pseudo sciatica.

For Sciatica caused by a herniated or bulging disc — much more care is needed during treatment to avoid potentially aggravating your condition. See your doctor for a full check-up on your spine, and work with your massage therapist and doctor as a team to make sure you get the best results.

How to Prevent Sciatica

• Keep your piriformis loose to give your sciatic nerve plenty of space
• Keep the hips and low back open to avoid sciatica
• Keeping the hip flexors open prevents stress on the piriformis muscles and avoids potential flare-ups of piriformis syndrome

Client Testimonial

“I was suffering from serious back (sciatic) pain for about 6 months. I had been through physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and other massage therapists with no relief. On a particularly painful day, I was searching for sciatic pain relief and needed something fast. Neille made time for me that day, and through a careful assessment, was able to identify the root cause of my pain and provide lasting relief through various massage techniques.

Neille really knows his stuff. And although he can provide your typical Swedish, relaxing massage, I believe his true talent is in his exceptional understanding of the body and relieving pain from chronic issues. Since visiting A New Body Massage, I have been able to return to combat sports, demanding exercise, and able to carry on with my life, pain free. Thank you for your great work.”